1997 Toyota Camry Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 4%of 555 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 4% of the 555 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There is a significant amount of play and body roll with respect to the steering components/steering wheel of the vehicle. This has existed from date of purchase. Additionally, the braking system is not as responsive as that which I have experienced in all other vehicles. The depth which the brake pedal must be depressed is much deeper and requires a greater amount of pressure, than that of any other vehicle I have driven. Finally, the headlights provide poor visibility both in the amount of light emitted and in their low mounting or angle which they sit at. …”
NHTSA complaint #10152645, filed 2006-03, 37,177 miles“Steering wheel and handle bar are loose. The electrical system including the ignition are not working properly. The service brakes and the hydraulic parts seems to wobble while driving . The exterior lighting headlights are so dimmed it is hard to see while driving at night. The vehicle is parked in front of my house.”
NHTSA complaint #11340044, filed 2020-07, 1,223 miles“1997 Toyota Camry le / many electrical problems related to various tail lights / turn signals / brake lights not working. Now it seems the headlights are burning dimly. New bulbs make no difference. Seems to be a design engineering issue overall with respect to electrical system on this year / model of car.”
NHTSA complaint #10049307, filed 2003-12, 105,000 miles“There was a problem with the rack and pinion. While driving the consumer heard a loud noise, viewed smoke coming from the engine area, and immediately the engine died. The dealer was contacted and stated that a rod had blown a hole through the engine block. Also, the turn signal malfunctioned. Scc dealer recommended engine block be replaced. Timing and drive belts replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10001779, filed 2002-12, 75,041 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the engine light has been illuminating intermittently since august of 2002. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three different times for this failure. On the most recent occurrence, the contact was informed that it would cost $5,000 to replace the engine. The engine light currently remains illuminated, however, the vehicle is still being driven. Speed was not a factor because the light illuminates as soon as the vehicle is started. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 68,000 and failure mileage was 39,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10203419, filed 2007-09, 39,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 5% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 | 7 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 12 | 2% |
| 2009 | 18 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 0% |
| 2007 | 26 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 1% |
| 2003 | 9 | 1% |
| 2002 | 8 | 1% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 16 | 3% |
| 1998 | 18 | 3% |
| 1997 | 22 | 4% |
| 1996 | 19 | 5% |
| 1995 | 11 | 4% |
| 1994 | 7 | 2% |
| 1993 | 9 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 1% |
| 1990 | 4 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 4% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Toyota Camry
108 complaintsEngine cooling
96 complaintsSuspension
70 complaintsAir bags
55 complaintsElectrical system
40 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsSeats
30 complaintsSteering
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsSeat belts
26 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Toyota Camry
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology